Just got back from 1,176 mile ride in the Sierras!
Before I left, I did an oil & filter change, valve service, sparkplugs, air filter, diff oil, brake bleed, new tires, and clutch bleed. Bike ran flawlessly, and the Angel GT's affirmed their status as my favorite tire, for this bike! One of my buddies brought his new to him, Yamaha MT-10, and the other buddy borrowed my Tenere, 700 as he is between bikes at the moment.
Day 1:
We left San Jose on Friday at 7am and slogged it on the freeway to Livermore, and ended up going over Corral Hollow through the canyon out into the Central Valley. Then more freeway for a bit, then headed up Highway 26 after stopping for gas. 26 ends at 88, where we gassed up again, then went over Carson Pass and took 89 to South Lake Tahoe. We then took 50 to 28 which goes to North Shore Lake Tahoe. We gassed up near Incline Village and took 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) over to Reno. A close friend of mine works at the Porsche/BMW dealership there, so we stopped in and got his garage code, had a chat and ended up at his house around 3pm. Just a hair over 300 miles.
My buddy on the Tenere commented as we stopped for the break in the picture above, that he knew we slowed down to wait for him, since he stopped seeing two black lines through every turn... :laughing6-hehe:
We left Reno around 7am, and headed up 80 on the freeway to 89 in Truckee. We took 89 all the way to Graeagle, then took a left on Highway 70 to Quincy and gassed up. Then we headed down 70 all the way to Oroville, where we gassed up again. We then headed back through Forbestown, and up Quincy-La Porte Highway which is quite a ride! Took a right on 70 and backtracked to Graeagle, Truckee then Reno - around 340 miles.
We left Reno around 8am, and headed back up 80 to 89 in Truckee like the previous day, except we hooked a left on 49 through Sierra City, Downieville, Grass Valley, Auburn, Placerville, Diamond Springs, Jackson, Angels Camp, Jamestown and eventually up Priest Grade, which we hot-lapped twice! Gassed up and headed south through Coulterville where there was a rather large fire with 4 planes and 3 helicopters circling in a frenzy trying to stop it. We were not too far from the Yosemite fire as well. Further south we stopped at Bagby and watched the Helicopters and fire planes head back and forth for fuel stops. The Cal-Fire L1011 flew over as well, a quick google search will give you a good picture...
After a break from the 106 degree heat, we headed West through Hornitos, and Merced Falls. Then across the Central Valley to Patterson, where we gassed up and took another break. Then we headed up 130 to The Junction, then left, up the back side of Mt. Hamilton. Took a pic at the top, and headed down for the final push. Got home right at 8:00pm after 12 hours of riding, and literally countless corners! Around 440 miles, 99% was backroads and 2 lane highways.
Black marks in the turns are a real thing on these 1200s. Haha!
12 hours ago, RC1237V
My buddy on the Tenere commented as we stopped for the break in the picture above, that he knew we slowed down to wait for him, since he stopped seeing two black lines through every turn... :laughing6-hehe:
Just got back from 1,176 mile ride in the Sierras!
Thanks for a great write-up & pics of your compact tour in the Sierra Nevadas. Haven't yet ridden Priest Grade, will have to remedy that oversight on my next trip. But I really like roads like J16 from Bear Valley to Snelling - they are so different to any around home.
When I get down to this neck of the woods there are a couple favourite roads that you skirted past that other folk don't know about - but you would, of course.
Thanks for sharing. There's gotta be a story on doing Priest Grade twice. From your pictures looks like you're looking from New to Old.
We ride up the "New" side, as it is 4.8 miles and has ~55 turns (including kinks), then we ride down to "Old" side as it only has about 12 turns and kinks, is only ~1.9 miles, and not too exciting. So the STORY is, we do it at least twice, because it's one of the best pieces of tarmac I have ever ridden, and unless it's a holiday weekend, there are almost no cars. If there are, there are tons of places where you can see the next several turns, and most cars are going 20mph or less, so relative to us, they are standing still. :laughing6-hehe:
I think you are correct on the picture, but it was some really quick shots, as we were having fun...
During the lockdown, my buddy Mason and I spent the better part of an afternoon, and almost a whole tank of gas just on Priest Grade - only 1 car the whole day! 😀
Thanks for a great write-up & pics of your compact tour in the Sierra Nevadas. Haven't yet ridden Priest Grade, will have to remedy that oversight on my next trip. But I really like roads like J16 from Bear Valley to Snelling - they are so different to any around home.
When I get down to this neck of the woods there are a couple favourite roads that you skirted past that other folk don't know about - but you would, of course.
Thanks for a great write-up & pics of your compact tour in the Sierra Nevadas. Haven't yet ridden Priest Grade, will have to remedy that oversight on my next trip. But I really like roads like J16 from Bear Valley to Snelling - they are so different to any around home.
When I get down to this neck of the woods there are a couple favourite roads that you skirted past that other folk don't know about - but you would, of course.
Range anxiety would creep in with my gearing as it's my dedicated track bike now - but they are actually more comfy than they look!
My other bike was in the shop, so it had to be the RC for the weekend. I did just over 1000 miles on it in 36 hours! Pair of sneakers and a t-shirt in the tank bag, and some toiletries in that fat tail section.
But the worst part was keeping up with Brian, TC (on an effing Tenere!) and bayarearider. As usual. You will recognize the usual suspects here, same ride:
The west end of 36 has been a construction zone for the last few years, although I think they are about done. 299 can get congested as it's the main east-west cage route in the area. But both are, of course, a huge blast.
My favorite, however, is 96, following the Klamath River for over 100 miles from Willow Creek (junction w/ 299) to Yreka. Not better, not worse, but far less crowded. I have ridden 96 maybe 20 times and look forward to another 20. My go-to getaway motorcycle trip.
Hwy 36 lost some of the roller-coastery curves (about a mile's worth) from the east most end - about 10 miles west of Red Bluff - a few years ago, but otherwise it is a fun ride. Here's a short video eastbound on Hwy 36.
As St. Stephen said, Hwy 299 is nothing to write home about. Otoh, Hwy 3 between 36 & 299 is a real treat.
A good 400 mile ride might start at Yreka and take 263 to 96 west along the Klamath river to 299 at Willow Creek. Along the way is a really fun section between Weitchpec and Hoopa.
About 12 miles west of Willow Creek is Titlow Hill road, take it and South Fork Mountain road south to 36 near Mad River. East on Mad River about 20 miles to the junction with 3, then north on it past Weaverville tand on to Yreka. Or at Callahan take Gazelle-Callahan road to Grenada and a short stint on I5 to Yreka.
Adventurous souls might try Callahan west to Somes Bar, on 96 just north of Orleans. I did it in 2003 on my VTR1000F and enjoyed it, but the pavement was sketchy in places. Here's a video from back then Gazelle-Orleans by VTR
Like everybody else here I usually try to include a photo with my post. It is almost always some combination of blue sky, green trees, red bike and great empty road--what my wife calls motorcycle porn.
But just as in every baby picture the kid is smiling, it doesn't always represent reality. Rt. 96 west of Yreka is burning right now--you have to check before planning a fire season trip in CA! Here's 96 a few years ago, south of Happy Camp (yes, Somes Bar, Lorne). I was confident I could punch through the fire area but ended up turning around.
^ Thanks guys! Wow, just looked up 96 on the map and will make plans for next year!
I didn't do any big trips the last 2 years because of all the fires...
Noel: The RC can be ridden faster than all of those bikes, but only for about 20 minutes which ironically is the exact length of time for a track session :wheel:
The Tenere (7 & 12), VFR, and especially your Multistrada, are way more comfortable, and can be ridden almost as fast. With 2~3 hour long stints on each, covers ground with more efficiency and comfort leading to more smiles per mile in the long run. And less chiropractic issues...
I was surprised at the pace we could hustle my Tenere with knobbies, through the tight winding turns, and medium sweepers all weekend. It actually only comes up short on the straightaways, and really high speed sweepers. I just ordered a set of the Donlop Traimax Mission tires, which should make it even better on the road.
Noel: The RC can be ridden faster than all of those bikes, but only for about 20 minutes which ironically is the exact length of time for a track session :wheel:
The Tenere (7 & 12), VFR, and especially your Multistrada, are way more comfortable, and can be ridden almost as fast. With 2~3 hour long stints on each, covers ground with more efficiency and comfort leading to more smiles per mile in the long run. And less chiropractic issues...
Well, you are technically correct, the RC-51 is faster in short bursts, 20 minutes. And I agree with your point, which is why I have that other red bike. But as far as comfort is concerned, I don't agree. Or I don't always agree, anyway.
100 miles on the interstate is torture on an RC. And if it's bumpy, with damping and springs set up properly, even worse. BUT...
Chasing riders who are faster, on perfect roads, for many more miles, where you are always moving--hands, body, knees, head--every second, you don't realize your pain until the day is done. In the zone, as it were.
Well, you are technically correct, the RC-51 is faster in short bursts, 20 minutes. And I agree with your point, which is why I have that other red bike. But as far as comfort is concerned, I don't agree. Or I don't always agree, anyway.
100 miles on the interstate is torture on an RC. And if it's bumpy, with damping and springs set up properly, even worse. BUT...
Chasing riders who are faster, on perfect roads, for many more miles, where you are always moving--hands, body, knees, head--every second, you don't realize your pain until the day is done. In the zone, as it were.
Maybe you misunderstood me, I do agree the RC is not very comfy for any length of ride over 1.5 hrs.
I have not even had mine on the freeway for more than 15 minutes, so I am just extrapolating the experience to a longer timeline, guessing it only gets worse...
Have not ridden a Multistrada yet, but if it's anything like the Superduke GT (better looking too) then it would be hard to beat as a top choice ride for almost every type of pavement. In fact, it's probably what it would be like to shoehorn the 1200 engine into the Tenere.
Maybe you misunderstood me, I do agree the RC is not very comfy for any length of ride over 1.5 hrs.
I have not even had mine on the freeway for more than 15 minutes, so I am just extrapolating the experience to a longer timeline, guessing it only gets worse...
Have not ridden a Multistrada yet, but if it's anything like the Superduke GT (better looking too) then it would be hard to beat as a top choice ride for almost every type of pavement. In fact, it's probably what it would be like to shoehorn the 1200 engine into the Tenere.
Nah, we agree. I was just saying that when you're riding hard and fast you don't notice the discomfort on the RC.
I was sooo torn in 2017 between the MS and the SD GT. I had some bucks to spend and my 7th gen to trade in. Both were--and are--fast bikes with touring capability and luggage. The SD GT was faster, but uglier, and hey...red is red.
The Duc is my sport tourer--it performs that function beautifully, and five years later I'm still happy I bought it. The RC-51 is...well, you know. 😎
Nah, we agree. I was just saying that when you're riding hard and fast you don't notice the discomfort on the RC.
I was sooo torn in 2017 between the MS and the SD GT. I had some bucks to spend and my 7th gen to trade in. Both were--and are--fast bikes with touring capability and luggage. The SD GT was faster, but uglier, and hey...red is red.
The Duc is my sport tourer--it performs that function beautifully, and five years later I'm still happy I bought it. The RC-51 is...well, you know. 😎
Yes, the faster you ride the RC, the more it disappears and becomes one with the rider. I have commented a few times that right around the pace where the VFR ties itself in knots, is where the RC starts to make PERFECT sense...
I rode the SD GT ans was doing third gear crossed up wheelies passing cars without trying, one hell of a beast! But as most beasts go, it is FUGLY! You made the right choice, as the Duc has aged very well. Has it been more reliable than the videos suggest the other models are, specifically the Hypermotard, and Panagale?
I rode the SD GT ans was doing third gear crossed up wheelies passing cars without trying, one hell of a beast! But as most beasts go, it is FUGLY! You made the right choice, as the Duc has aged very well. Has it been more reliable than the videos suggest the other models are, specifically the Hypermotard, and Panagale?
Over five years and 25,000 miles it has been mechanically bulletproof. I did catch some sh*t from a few posters here on VFRD regarding Ducati reliability when I bought the MS--and TBH if you go back at least 10 years that bad reputation is well deserved. But the Multistrada just starts and runs.
I am on my 3rd gas gauge sensor--they paid for the 2nd one but I paid for the 3rd "improved" one that's in the tank now. The neutral light is unreliable and always has been. But these relatively minor issues don't leave you by the side of the road, or even interfere with the fun of riding.
The electronics (power modes, suspension adjustment with buttons except front preload) are really useful and I use them a lot. Great motor, VVT really widens the powerband, and hey, it's ~145hp! It weighs about 80lbs less than my 7th gen, and even a bit less than my 6th gen, although with a higher COG. But that gives you seven inches of suspension travel, a godsend on gnarly back roads. It's not leaving my garage any time soon.
I think it was V4 chocolate crankshafts in the MS! But, I do think they've worked it out, Duc sales were up 90% last year lead by the V4 Multi.
I had a '16 and now a '20, they've had some small issues, nothing that left me stranded. The '16 had leaking fork seal that was only solved by a new fork under warranty. But Ducati's nanny attitude towards "it's" owners get's annoying.
The '20 gained a few hp and inches in the wheelbase, the '16 definitely felt smaller and more nimble.
I had a '16 and now a '20, they've had some small issues, nothing that left me stranded. The '16 had leaking fork seal that was only solved by a new fork under warranty. But Ducati's nanny attitude towards "it's" owners get's annoying.
The '20 gained a few hp and inches in the wheelbase, the '16 definitely felt smaller and more nimble.
Yeah, vfrcapn, the 1260 was a different engine, longer wheelbase, and heavier, not as nimble as the '15 through '17. And then they revised it again with the V4. Weird that two generations of Multistradas have passed since I bought mine in 2017. I do prefer the lighter and more nimble V-twin.
4 hours ago, VFR750F3
Ducati service is a killer. That why I bought another Honda ie CBR1000RR-R. It is the most comfortable bikes I own.
Yeah, every Ducati dealer thinks you must be a billionaire, I should have mentioned that in my brief eval. The dollars quoted for service and parts are (Wallace Shawn voice) "inconceivable!"
Guess this post has been hijacked. But I don't think the OP will mind. 😎
I agree. Nearly all of my friends ride. I'm on multiple bike mailing lists and forums. And still, I nearly always ride alone. People seem too busy vacuuming the cat or something. One day we'll be too old for all of this.
There are two major events planned next month, TWO! VFRD is on a roll! If you guys on the west coast threw something out, nearly everybody would be within reach on one.
The folks I ride with here in Alabama all laugh and tell me that I miss more rides because of being on a ride than anything else. Being retired helps. I highly recommend it.
There are two major events planned next month, TWO! VFRD is on a roll! If you guys on the west coast threw something out, nearly everybody would be within reach on one.
The folks I ride with here in Alabama all laugh and tell me that I miss more rides because of being on a ride than anything else. Being retired helps. I highly recommend it.
Sweeper, I agree, two events is great, on a roll. Proud of you guys, and as I have posted, I would love to be in Arkansas right now!
When I landed in CA almost nine years ago I was incredibly lucky to find BrianF, tc339, bayarearider, TJ, jeffyjeff, ecn, crazybro, Duc2V4, sfdownhill and of course RC1237V all here on this forum planning incredible rides. It was a peak few years for epic CA rides, but most have moved on, mostly to other bikes as far as I know.
Now VFRD has tilted towards repair, restore, find parts, build a project bike as the number of actual VFR's on the road steadily declines. Can't complain--after owning a series of VFR's for 31 years straight, I don't own one right now. But yeah, we need to hit the road as a group. Looking forward to Hog Tie photos!
There is a core group of us who still ride together even thought few still own a VFR. We get twenty to thirty in the spring and about twenty in the fall. Maybe five VFR's most of the time. So many good bikes out these days! Its too bad Honda couldn't find a way to keep a V4 in the mix. There's a group of fifteen or so of us who are now dual sport riding a couple of times a year as well. All thanks to VFRD. My wife is a big help too because if she hears of a ride, she will tell me "go".
I see a lot of VFRs in San Diego, and I wonder how many of you there are here. I want to tackle a couple reliability concerns (stator and oil cooler lines) before I go for long coastal rides or something, but I would be up for a VFR loop around the county if someone puts it on.
Sorry to beat this hijacking of another thread to death, but I checked, and it has only been 11 months since we called a ride in the bay area. jeffyjeff managed to get me, RC1237V, and his friend, to actually show up and ride. (yeah, we got drenched, but it was totally unexpected) C'mon norcal! 😎
Sorry to beat this hijacking of another thread to death, but I checked, and it has only been 11 months since we called a ride in the bay area. jeffyjeff managed to get me, RC1237V, and his friend, to actually show up and ride. (yeah, we got drenched, but it was totally unexpected) C'mon norcal! 😎
I was in smoky Yosemite/Mono Lake/Bodie Ghost Town for that weekend. Bummed I missed that ride, happy I did not get wet.
I'm up for a ride. I've driven around some SIerra roads but my motorcycle rides are limited to CA coastal ranges, SF Bay, Marin/Sonoma and LA urban/canyons. Can't do weekend of Sept 16-18, otherwise, let's go! 1 day or multiday trips are fine with me. @jeffyjeffyou back in the area?
I was in smoky Yosemite/Mono Lake/Bodie Ghost Town for that weekend. Bummed I missed that ride, happy I did not get wet.
I'm up for a ride. I've driven around some SIerra roads but my motorcycle rides are limited to CA coastal ranges, SF Bay, Marin/Sonoma and LA urban/canyons. Can't do weekend of Sept 16-18, otherwise, let's go! 1 day or multiday trips are fine with me. @jeffyjeffyou back in the area?
Great shot of Mono Lake Tirso. Jeff might be in Morocco, where he resides the majority of the time as far as I know. Haven't heard from him for a while, but he may pop up at any moment!
OK I guess it's time to stop talking and plan a ride. I am available at least 50% of weekdays but most are not. So, weekend. I propose Saturday October 1st for a single day ride. North Bay because I'm selfish, but hey, Mines Road to Mt. Hamilton works too. If I hear four yes responses I will post it on the USA - West Ride Planning forum here. Who's in?
All you Hog Tie folks feel free to head west in October. 😎
Great shot of Mono Lake Tirso. Jeff might be in Morocco, where he resides the majority of the time as far as I know. Haven't heard from him for a while, but he may pop up at any moment!
OK I guess it's time to stop talking and plan a ride. I am available at least 50% of weekdays but most are not. So, weekend. I propose Saturday October 1st for a single day ride. North Bay because I'm selfish, but hey, Mines Road to Mt. Hamilton works too. If I hear four yes responses I will post it on the USA - West Ride Planning forum here. Who's in?
All you Hog Tie folks feel free to head west in October. 😎
Thanks, smoke from fire changes the landscape by the hour. I have others later in the afternoon from Bodie with a deep sepian tone.
I'll block off Sat Oct 1. North Bay is fine, I've ridden my bike from San Jose to Mines/San Antonio and back but have not done Mines from Livermore.
I would be up for that. Since I live near the base of Mt Hamilton, I will ride it both ways... 😀
I will bring Mason and Cam as well, it makes you feel younger when you ride with guys half your age - until they start talking about music, you tube and apps.... :laughing6-hehe:
End of thread · 50 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 28 Apr 2025